000
FXUS61 KOKX 290802
AFDOKX

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service New York NY
402 AM EDT Fri Sep 29 2023

.SYNOPSIS...
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An inverted surface trough and weak low move northward along the coast today into tonight. The low will slowly strengthen and move east Saturday into Sunday, with high pressure building in its wake and remaining dominant into next week.
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&& .NEAR TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/...
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***Scattered to Numerous Areas of Flash Flooding likely today, with locally Considerable Flash Flooding possible*** ***Moderate Flooding possible along a few quick responding small rivers and streams*** Closed upper low over eastern Great Lakes will slowly approach today, gradually sliding across the area tonight into Saturday. At the surface, an inverted trough sitting off the NJ coast/mid Atlantic coast will extend into NYC, NE NJ, W LI into Lower Hudson Valley vicinity this morning. Evidence of a coastal front/convergence zone across NYC and up Hudson River, which could be a sign of where the inverted trough/coastal front ends up extending into. Deeper convection being noted in satellite and radar firing all along and to the east of this this N/S offshore frontal boundary this morning, slowly working northwest towards NYC, NE NJ and W LI. Continued good model agreement with increasing deep layered lift from approaching upper low and left front quad of ULJ, combined with a strengthening SE/E LLJ (35-40kt), transporting a sub- tropical(+1-2 STD PWATS) and weakly unstable (a few hundred J/kg of elevated instability) airmass into the region, converging in the vicinity of the inverted trough/coastal front (with likely frontogenetic and orographic enhancement). The environment is certainly primed for deep moist convection and flash flooding type rainfall in the Flood Watch area. Deterministic models continue with a strong signal for a large area of 2 to 5" of rainfall, with localized axis of 5-7" over the watch area. Much of this rainfall likely falling over a 6-8 hr period. Still spread on exactly where heaviest axis develops this morning, anywhere from W LI/SW CT to NYC/NJ metro, and extending as far north as Lower Hudson Valley/SW CT. 00Z HREF mean QPF through 00z this evening indicating a widespread 3-5" from NYC, NE NJ, up the Hudson River to Rockland/Putnam and east into SW CT and W LI. This scenario seems quite reasonable for a storm total rainfall footprint and most likely area for localized heavier rainfall swath based on synoptic and mesoscale setup. 00z SPC HREF PMM, which preserves individual rainfall maxima, is even more bullish than that with a large area of 5-7" of rain across the watch area, with locally 10"+ of rain. The large expanse of 5-7" of rain appears to be a product of considerable model spread in where the intense rainfall axis sets up, with the localized 10" likely a localized reasonable worst case scenario. In terms of rainfall rates, although 00z HREF 1"hr probs are not overly impressive, but it continues with a broad 10% ensemble prob of 3"/3hr across NYC, NE NJ, and Lower Hud, SW CT and W LI, with an embedded of 30% ensemble prob of 3"/3hr across the NYC/NJ metro. This 30% 3"/3hr has been a consistent signal, which have verified well for an elevated signal for flash flooding(w/ typical location uncertainty). For additional context, several runs of the HRRR have been producing hourly rainfall rates of 2"/hr, which seems to be verifying based on the MRMS estimated rainfall rates this morning. 00Z HRRR has a widespread area of 3-5" across watch area, with a narrow swath of 5-7" across W LI/NYC/NJ metro and along SW CT/SE NY border. So a general consensus exists in a widespread 3-5" with locally 5-7", centered somewhere across NYC, NE NJ, up through Rockland, Putnam, Westchester, SW CT and W LI. Areas to the NW and E of this area appears to be in a less favorable areas for persistent frontogenesis and theta-e convergence. So expecting numerous bands of moderate to heavy rain moving from SE to NW (rainfall rates 1-2"/hr) through this morning into the above mentioned favored area, with a potentially developing N to S oriented axis of torrential rain (2"+/hr) developing in vicinity of coastal frontal/inverted trough after daybreak. Based on high- res guidance, this boundary could sits over the development area for several hours before moving, with location becoming more evident in the next 3-6 hrs. See hydrology sections for more on flood impacts. In addition to the rain, NE winds of 15-20g25-30mph likely along the coast Fri AM through Sat AM. A few peak gusts to 35 mph possible. Lighter winds for the interior High temps will run several degrees below seasonable in rain and onshore flow, and near seasonable for overnight lows.
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&& .SHORT TERM /SATURDAY/...
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As the closed low moves overhead and low pressure becomes more developed tonight into Saturday morning and gradually slides east, the inverted trough/convergence axis will break down and slide east with a more moderate deformation rain on the NW side of the low continuing Tonight into Saturday morning, gradually tapering from w to e. High temps will run several degrees below seasonable in rain and onshore flow, and near seasonable for overnight lows.
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&& .LONG TERM /SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY/... There have been no significant changes to the long term, as global ensemble guidance is in decent agreement with the overall pattern. A rather quiescent and generally dry period is expected along with a warm up into next week. Closed, positively tilted upper low ejects off the east coast to start, as a an amplified ridge shifts eastward from the Central Plains. The ridge builds to the east Sunday through Wednesday, with the ridge axis overhead by Wednesday. The ridge axis heads offshore Wednesday night. At the surface, low pressure heads east/southeast of the 40/70 benchmark on Saturday, with lingering showers across the southern portions of the CWA though midday. Easterly flow will continue through the day on Saturday, and into early Sunday, keeping coastal sections under cloud cover for a good portion of Saturday, while the interior should see some sun by late afternoon. The pressure gradient begins to relax Sunday as the surface low pulls away and winds become more northeasterly by Sunday afternoon. A strong high pressure then begins to dominate as it settles over the northeast through Wednesday resulting in mainly dry conditions for the region. Temperatures will be on the increase into midweek, with highs in the mid to upper 70s across the NYC metro, northeast NJ and the interior. At the coasts, highs in the low to mid 70s are expected. Either way, these are near or just above average for the time of year. && .AVIATION /08Z FRIDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/... An inverted trough across the area today will bring periods of moderate to heavy rain and gusty NE-ENE winds. Ceilings will drop through the night, lowering from MVFR to IFR by 12Z for all but KGON, which will be much slower to drop through the categories. Once locations get to IFR, they will likely remain there through the TAF period. NE winds 10-15 kt. Gusts to around 20 kt will be occasional overnight, but becoming more likely during the daytime hours, especially at the coastal terminals. The heaviest rain this morning is likely to be across the NYC and Lower Hudson Valley terminals, then gradually shifting east this afternoon into this evening. Embedded thunderstorms are possible during the duration. Confidence in thunderstorm timing at any one terminal is low. ...NY Metro (KEWR/KLGA/KJFK/KTEB) TAF Uncertainty... Ceiling category changes may vary by 1-2 hours. Gusts will be more occasional overnight. Winds may vary 20 degrees on either side due to the close proximity of a surface trough, especially this morning. There is a chance of thunder at almost any time, but isolated. OUTLOOK FOR 06Z SATURDAY THROUGH TUESDAY... Late Friday night: IFR and rain. NE winds G15-20 kt, highest at the coastal terminals. Saturday: MVFR/IFR in lingering -RA in the morning, improving to VFR by late. NE winds G15-20kt mainly at the coastal terminals. Sunday through Tuesday: VFR. Detailed information, including hourly TAF wind component forecasts, can be found at: https:/www.weather.gov/zny/n90 && .MARINE...
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An extended period of SCA conds is expected for the ocean into early next week. E/NE SCA gusts expected thru Sat, with seas elevating to 7 to 10 ft on E/SE wind swells, as well as background SE swells from a developing offshore low and distant tropical systems impact the coastal waters. E/NE Marginal SCA gusts expected on the nearshore waters into Sat AM. Winds gradually subside Saturday Night through Monday as high pressure builds in from the west.
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&& .HYDROLOGY...
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Potential is increasing for a widespread 3-5" of rain across the NYC, NE NJ, Lower Hud in vicinity of Hudson River, SW CT, and W LI with locally 5-7". 00z HREF still indicating a 30% ensemble prob of 3"/3hr across the NE NJ, NYC, Lower Hud, SW CT, W LI area btwn 6am and 2pm, which has been a reliable signal for a scattered to numerous flash flood event. Another consideration is that the period of heaviest rain this AM and this PM will coincide with two high tidal cycles where minor flood thresholds are expected to be reached. This will limit storm drainage capacity for coastal locations during these times and exacerbate flash flood threat in these areas during these times. Based on the above, scattered to numerous instances of urban, poor drainage, and low-lying flash flooding are likely in the Flood Watch area, with locally considerable/life threatening flash flooding possible. RFC has the Saddle River at Lodi forecast to go into minor flood this afternoon and Ramapo at Mahwah forecast to go into minor flood tonight. Headwater guidance for several of the flashy streams in NE NJ is around 2-2 1/2" in 6hr for minor flooding, and 2 1/2 to 3 1/2" in 6 hr for moderate flooding. So, if the heavy rain axis develops over the the flashy river basins of NE NJ, Lower Hud, and SW CT, moderate flood levels would likely be exceeded for several small rivers and streams, with even potential for isolated major flood levels (LODN4 major flood headwater guidance is 3" in 6hr).
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&& .TIDES/COASTAL FLOODING...
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An approaching full moon will have rising astronomical tides (as low as 1/4-1/2 ft needed to reach minor thresholds), combined with a persistent and slightly strengthening E-NE flow and E wind wave/swell today into Sat Am will have water levels solidly at minor flood levels (up to 1 1/2 ft inundation) for vulnerable NY/NJ harbor, Jamaica Bay, western Great South Bay, and coastal Westchester/Fairfield communities, with localized minor elsewhere across Long Island and NYC for the high tide cycles through at least Saturday morning. A bit more uncertainty on how widespread the minor coastal flooding will be with the Saturday night and Sunday morning high tide cycles as astronomical tides peak, but winds turn more to the N-NE and gradually subside. Highest confidence in additional cycles of widespread minor flooding is for the southern bays of Nassau and Queens due to restricted tidal drainage, with perhaps more localized minor flooding elsewhere. In addition, continued beach erosion/escarpment will continue through at least Saturday due to elevated water levels, 4-7 ft breaking surf, and a strong E-W longshore current. Dune erosion potential looks to be localized, with overwashes not expected. Although our surf zone forecast season in over, the risk for dangerous rip currents will continue into at least early next week based on the wave conditions. NOTE: The Peconic River at Riverhead tidal gauge is out of service (had been reading too high). The gauge is being looked into by our partners at the USGS.
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&& .OKX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
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CT...Flood Watch through late tonight for CTZ005-006-009-010. Coastal Flood Advisory until 2 PM EDT Saturday for CTZ009. NY...Flood Watch through late tonight for NYZ067>075-078>081- 176>179. Coastal Flood Advisory until 2 PM EDT Saturday for NYZ071. Coastal Flood Advisory until noon EDT Saturday for NYZ178-179. NJ...Flood Watch through late tonight for NJZ002-004-006-103>108. Coastal Flood Advisory until noon EDT Saturday for NJZ006-106- 108. MARINE...Small Craft Advisory until 8 PM EDT Saturday for ANZ331-332- 335-338-340-345. Small Craft Advisory until 8 PM EDT Sunday for ANZ350-353-355.
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&& $$ SYNOPSIS...NV NEAR TERM...NV SHORT TERM...NV LONG TERM...DBR AVIATION...DW MARINE...NV HYDROLOGY...NV TIDES/COASTAL FLOODING...NV